About
Motorsport is an exacting world that requires total commitment from its engineers. Without their
skills and expertise, teams don’t even get to race. This internship program will hone your skills
and expertise in relation to motorsport and high performance engineering through a rigorous
combination of teaching and motorsport related project work.
Why this course?
This course aims to provide you with a sound understanding of the fundamental scientific,
engineering and managerial principles involved in motorsport, and their implementation within a
high performance technology context.
You will cover design, construction and operation of competition vehicles, and related aspects of
materials science, aerodynamics, structural analysis, vehicle systems, and management
techniques related to motorsport.
You will be taught the skills required for the planning, execution and reporting of motorsport
projects and to prepare them for a variety of roles in motorsport.
Compulsory Modules
Composite Structures for Motorsport
Aim
Provide detailed understanding and practical experience of the use of composite materials in
racing car structures including materials selection, component design, manufacturing technology
processing and performance.
Syllabus
Materials forms, performance and selection
Composites application of in Motorsport industry through case studies
Manufacturing technology and joining techniques, including manufacturing technique
training
Composite structures design, analyses and optimization techniques
Design of safety structures
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
1. Understand the principles of composite material selection and performance and apply
them in the design and manufacturing of structures in motorsport.
2. Evaluate upcoming materials/structural technologies and their possible applications.
3. Evaluate and compare the techniques used for the design, processing and assembly and
testing of motorsport structural components.
4. Apply and analyze crashworthiness concepts and the influence of Motorsport regulations
on the structure design.
Computational Fluid Dynamics for Motorsport
Aim
To understand the key features of CFD methods used for simulating external flows for
engineering applications.
Syllabus
Introduction to CFD
Fluid dynamics - governing equations
Grid generation, techniques and application
Solution strategies
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
1. Differentiate between CFD approaches for different flow regimes.
2. Formulate a solution strategy for a given fluid dynamics problem in motorsports.
3. Demonstrate an ability to apply commercial CFD software to a given fluid dynamics
problem.
Introduction to Motorsport
Aim
As an introductory non-assessed module it sets the scene for the Advanced Motorsport
Engineering programme placing it in the context of motorsport engineering and the business
behind it.
Syllabus
The Advanced Motorsport Engineering programme with reference to the key elements of
the taught modules, the group design project and the individual thesis projects
History of motorsport and competition vehicle development
Competition vehicle categories
Sporting and technical regulations
Design of competition vehicles
Overview of the motorsport sector
Introduction to software packages related to motorsport engineering
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
1. Distinguish the courses in the context of motorsport engineering and the industry sector
which underpins it.
2. Appraise the historical development of motorsport and competition vehicle evolution.
3. Assess categorization of competition vehicles.
4. Debate the criticality of the technical and sporting regulations and what these mean to
motorsport engineers.
5. Provide an overview of the motorsport sector in the UK.
6. Relate the use of a range of software packages to the context of the course
Motorsport Aerodynamics
Aim
Aerodynamics is a critical element of modern motorsport vehicle design. This module will
enable students to understand the basic principles governing aerodynamics in relation to
competition vehicles, including the use of wind tunnel testing techniques.
Syllabus
Basic flow concepts and governing equations
A review of the fundamental aerodynamic characteristics of streamlined and bluff bodies
The application of aerodynamic design principles to motorsport wings and diffusers
Mechanisms for controlling aerodynamic lift and drag generation
An introduction to aerodynamic issues related to cooling and ventilation flows
An introduction to wheel aerodynamics
An overview of open-wheel, sports car and touring car aerodynamics
Experimental methods for motorsport aerodynamics including the use of a moving
ground wind tunnel
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the essential facts, concepts and principles
of incompressible flows including vortices and viscous effects, boundary layers, wing
and diffuser aerodynamic characteristics.
2. Demonstrate understanding of how aerodynamics affects the motorsport vehicle design
and operation.
3. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the wind tunnel techniques used to analyse
motorsport aerodynamic problems and apply these techniques and concepts to develop
solution strategies for relevant wind tunnel simulations.
4. Demonstrate competence in analyzing and evaluating the low speed aerodynamic
characteristics of representative vehicles and components using acquired wind tunnel
data, data sheets and fundamental principles.
Motorsport Electronics and Data Acquisition
Aim
Provides an understanding of the electronic and data acquisition systems that are integral to the
modern motorsport vehicle
Provides methodologies for the analysis and interpretation of the data acquired, and how this
underpins all performance optimization.
Syllabus
An overview of competition data collection systems and their packaging
Sensors, signal conditioning and information technology
Data collection, collation and analysis
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
1. Examine the fundamental role electronic systems and acquired data have on and off
vehicle throughout motorsport
2. Design, evaluate and optimize data systems based on fundamental principles of electrical
and digital information transfer
3. Propose and apply suitable data analysis techniques to tackle particular engineering
questions in a motorsport context
4. Analyze data in the context of vehicle dynamics resulting from your own configuration
and calibration of instrumentation on a vehicle for a track test
Motorsport Powertrain Design
Aim
To provide students with a series of learning activities during which they will acquire an
understanding of the engineering principles on which engine design and development depend.
Some activities will be classroom based, some reliant on group work and some requiring active
learning by the student. The course aims to encourage students to acquire skills in information
gathering, the processing of information, analysis and communication and these skills will be
tested by written assignments.
Syllabus
Gasoline engine performance characteristics: performance indices
Idealized thermodynamic cycles and the limits to ideal behavior
Maximizing power output using high engine speeds: thermo-fluid implications
Maximizing the air/fuel charge in every cylinder: intake system design, supercharging &
turbo-charging
Fuel systems, combustion control and engine management systems
Mechanical design of high performance two and four stroke petrol and diesel motorsport
engines
The matching of engine, transmission and vehicle
The design of vehicle transmission systems
Hybrid and electric powertrains as used in motorsport
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
1. Test and evaluate the physical processes at work during the preparation of the fuel & air
mixture and its eventual combustion and emission.
2. Debate with engineering practitioners the implications of high engine speeds on the
mechanical and thermo fluid behavior of engines.
3. Evaluate the matching of engine, transmission and vehicle chassis for motorsport
applications.
4. Appraise the operation of high performance vehicle transmission systems.
5. Examine hybridization and electrification of motorsport powertrains
Motorsport Structural Analysis
Aim
The module aims to provide an introduction to the selection, processing, design, and analysis of
competition vehicles. The module offers combination of fundamental concepts lectures,
engineering theories, lab exercises, finite element modeling and simulations, tutorial and peer
review exercises.
Syllabus
The physical and metallurgical properties of high strength steels, stainless steels, metal
matrix composites and aluminium, and titanium alloys, rubbers, elastomers, plastics and
honeycomb
Structural responses and stiffness analyses
An introduction into finite element modeling and simulations
An introduction into shape optimization
Identification of failure modes and non-destructive test methods
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
1. Define metallic and non-metallic (except composite) materials selection criteria
2. Select metallic and non-metallic (except composite) materials to specifications
3. Relate the metallic and non-metallic (except composite) material properties and structural
properties
4. Design metallic and non-metallic (except composite) products (e.g. vehicle chassis,
wheels, suspension etc)
5. Develop finite element model of a metallic and non-metallic (except composite) product
using modeling and simulation tools
6. Define relevant structural properties for product models
7. Validate models (with respect to shape, mesh, contacts, materials law, etc) using
modeling and simulation tools
8. Analyze modeling and simulation results with respect to structural responses behavior
9. Compare finite element modeling results with experimental results
10. Assemble the designed product
11. Optimize the designed product (with respect to lightweight, cost, performance, and safety
margins properties) using modeling and simulation tools
Motorsport Vehicle Dynamics
Aim
To provide students with fundamental information on vehicle dynamics focusing on limit
behavior with explanations and derivations from first principles, using simplified physical
models. To provide experience of a computer based dynamics simulation package of industrial
standard, and to provide experimental exercises to illustrate major physical concepts.
Syllabus
Minimum time optimization
Tyre shear force development, measurement and characterization.
Suspension geometry description and analysis – important properties
Steady turning equilibrium states; suspension/chassis interactions; roll angles, load
transfers, jacking
Yaw/sideslip handling dynamics; steady turn responses, understeer and oversteer;
stability and controllability (a) small perturbations from straight running (b) small
perturbations from cornering trim
Limit behavior and design aspects; differentials and brake balancing
Simulation tools and model building
Vibration behavior of car and wheels; springs; dampers; track roughness and the use of
electro-hydraulic shaker rigs for setup
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
1. Appraise the performance limits of a competition vehicle and the sources of such
limitations.
2. Evaluate the interactions of competition vehicle and participant and discuss intelligently
the requirements on the competition vehicle from a controllability point of view.
3. Distinguish the complex relationships between competition vehicle design aspects and
competition vehicle performance.
4. Examine simulation and optimization methods for improving design and performance.
The Business of Motorsport
Aim
To provide students with a series of learning activities during which they will acquire an
understanding of how to apply management techniques to the context of motorsport and thus
building an awareness of the specific management challenges faced in this sector. The course
aims to encourage students to acquire skills in information gathering, the processing of
information, analysis and communication and these skills will be assessed by group presentation
and by written group assignment.
Syllabus
The business environment in general
The business context for motorsport organizations
Managing motorsport businesses strategically
Creating and sustaining competitive advantage in motorsport
Commercial aspects of motorsport management
Marketing and motorsport including branding, media and sponsorship
Financing motorsport businesses and their on-going financial management
Project management and motorsport
Managing technical knowledge and expertise in motorsport
Technology transfer and opportunities for diversification
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
1. Appraise the specific management challenges facing the motorsport sector.
2. Distinguish the motorsport environment and the influences on its development.
3. Assess the potential sources of competitive advantage for an organization in the
motorsport sector and the steps needed to both create and sustain such an advantage
4. Evaluate the particular issues relating to the commercial aspects of motorsport
management. These would include raising and sustaining sponsorship, media relations,
raising capital, diversification through technology transfer
5. Examine the particular issues relating to the management of technical expertise and
knowledge in motorsport and its exploitation